City councilmembers say they need more information before granting final approval to a large housing proposal.PICKENS, S.C. —A 140-home development passed through one phase of approval Wednesday, but not without some notes from the council.The project sits along Mauldin Lake Road, less than a quarter mile from Pickens city limits, and is asking for annexation into the city.Mayor Isaiah Scipio says the city is weighing its options."We didn't want high, high density, and t...
City councilmembers say they need more information before granting final approval to a large housing proposal.
PICKENS, S.C. —
A 140-home development passed through one phase of approval Wednesday, but not without some notes from the council.
The project sits along Mauldin Lake Road, less than a quarter mile from Pickens city limits, and is asking for annexation into the city.
Mayor Isaiah Scipio says the city is weighing its options.
"We didn't want high, high density, and they worked with us as far as that's concerned. We wanted to make sure that we had the water rights so that we can sell them water, things like that. As far as the infrastructure. We want to be able to provide sewer for them," he says.
The council voted in favor of approving the first reading. Mayor Scipio says that should help them get more transparency.
"We have been somewhat in limbo. We have been talking to the developers, but we hadn't had anything concrete. So now, in a good-faith gesture, we got this first reading behind us, and then we're going to start really working toward talking to everybody concerned," Scipio says.
Some in attendance voiced their concern over the annexation; they held signs and wore anti-annexation shirts.
"They said basically what they said here we need to vote so we can get information from the developers. So, whose best interest is this really in? The citizens of Pickens or the developer? To me, it sounds like the developer," said Pam Winters.
Mayor Scipio says it's his and the council's job to make sure the project is given a fair fight.
"We will exercise all things. Now if things, don't work out because of the things that council want, at least we tried. At least we put it all up on the table," he says.
After Wednesday's approval, the project will need to go before the planning commission before it's second reading. A date for that hasn't been chosen yet.